Supercritical CO2 vs Steam Distillation Solvent Usage

Solvent usage in extraction methods affects **purity, safety, and environmental impact**. This article compares **supercritical CO2 extraction** and **steam distillation** in terms of their **solvent requirements and efficiency**.

1. Solvent-Free Processing

• Supercritical CO2 Extraction: Uses **CO2 as a solvent**, leaving **no harmful residues**.
• Steam Distillation: Uses **only water**, making it a **natural but less efficient** process.

2. Purity and Chemical Contamination

• CO2 Extraction: Produces **pure extracts**, meeting **organic and pharmaceutical standards**.
• Steam Distillation: May introduce **water-based impurities**, affecting product stability.

3. Environmental Impact

• CO2 Extraction: Uses **recyclable CO2**, reducing **solvent waste and pollution**.
• Steam Distillation: Requires **large amounts of water**, increasing **energy and resource consumption**.

4. Case Study: CO2 Extraction in Organic Essential Oils

An essential oil company achieved **100% solvent-free certification** after switching to CO2 extraction.

5. Conclusion

For **solvent-free and eco-friendly extraction**, **supercritical CO2 extraction** is the better choice. Companies like **SHANGHAI NORTH BROOKS** provide **CO2 SUPERCRITICAL EXTRACTION MACHINE** solutions for **clean and sustainable processing**.

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